by Herbert Dennard, Special to The Middle Georgia Informer

On Monday, May 18, 2026, Hawkins Arena at Mercer University became the gathering place for an evening centered around leadership, service, education, and community impact as 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia hosted its Sam Hart Sr. Community Impact Award program honoring Charlie Cantrell of Five Star Automotive Group, with special guest Ambassador Andrew Young.
For many in attendance, the event was more than a celebration. It was a historic moment for Macon and Middle Georgia.

Ambassador Young is one of the last living giants of the Civil Rights Movement. A close friend and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Young helped lead some of the most important moments in American history. He served as a congressman, United Nations ambassador, mayor of Atlanta, pastor, activist, and lifelong advocate for justice and equality.

His presence in Macon carried deep meaning.

The evening reflected the mission that the 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia has stood on since the chapter was chartered in 1996: uplifting young people, supporting education, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening the African American community through service and opportunity.

Scholarships were celebrated. Community leaders were honored. Young people were inspired.

But one of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Ambassador Young spoke to the audience with the wisdom of someone who has witnessed both the struggles and victories of America firsthand.

Sharing a story once told by the late Reverend Ralph Abernathy, Young described how Abernathy’s grandmother would cut the neck of a chicken before cooking it, yet the chicken would still jump around afterward. Abernathy would become frightened as a child, but his grandmother would calmly say, “Don’t worry, son. He may be jumping, but he’s dead.”

The crowd laughed, but the message behind the story quickly became clear.

Young explained that despite political division and social tension, he still sees hope in the people. He spoke about unity in schools, students from around the world learning together in Georgia, and communities continuing to move forward despite difficult times.

“We had a song that we used to sing in the Civil Rights Movement,” Young said. “Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around.”

Those words filled Hawkins Arena with reflection and encouragement.

At 94 years old, Ambassador Young continues to inspire generations with his message of perseverance, faith, and unity. For many young people in attendance, hearing directly from a man who stood beside Dr. King was something they may never forget.

The event also highlighted why organizations like the 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia remain so important today. Their continued investment in mentorship, scholarships, leadership development, and youth outreach is helping shape the future of Middle Georgia.

The honoring of Charlie Cantrell also reflected the spirit of community partnership and leadership that the evening represented. Bringing together business leaders, educators, students, faith leaders, and community advocates under one roof showed what can happen when people work together toward a common purpose.

Macon should be proud that leaders of this caliber continue to visit and invest in this community.

In a time when many people feel discouraged by division and negativity, Monday evening served as a reminder that hope still exists, leadership still matters, and service to others can still change lives.

For one memorable evening at Mercer University, history spoke directly to Middle Georgia.